The question of whether a world without evil or suffering can exist is a complex and philosophical one that has been debated by scholars, theologians, and thinkers for centuries. Different worldviews and belief systems offer various perspectives on this matter.
Theism and Omnibenevolent God: Some religious traditions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, believe in the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and omnibenevolent (wholly good) God. According to these beliefs, such a God could theoretically create a world without evil or suffering. However, the presence of evil and suffering in the world is often attributed to human free will or as a necessary aspect of a greater divine plan, theodicy.
Non-Theistic Philosophies: Other belief systems, such as certain forms of Buddhism, may not posit the existence of a personal, all-powerful deity. In these philosophies, suffering is seen as an inherent part of the human condition, caused by attachment, desire, and ignorance. The goal is not to eliminate suffering entirely but to transcend it through spiritual practices.
Logical Problem of Evil: Some philosophers argue that the existence of evil and suffering in the world is incompatible with the notion of an all-powerful and benevolent deity. They present the "logical problem of evil," which questions how an all-loving God could allow the existence of gratuitous suffering.
Physical and Natural Suffering: Apart from moral evil (evil caused by human actions), there is the issue of natural suffering caused by natural disasters, diseases, and other uncontrollable factors. Some argue that natural suffering is a consequence of the physical laws that govern the universe.
Utopian Ideals: Outside religious and philosophical debates, some people dream of creating a utopian society free from suffering and evil. However, achieving such a state in the real world is challenging due to the complexities of human nature, societal structures, and the unpredictability of events.
In summary, the possibility of a world without evil or suffering is a matter of belief, interpretation, and understanding of the nature of reality. While some religious traditions propose that such a world may exist in the afterlife or as a result of divine intervention, others view suffering as an inherent part of existence. The question remains a profound and open-ended philosophical inquiry with no definitive answer.